Wine cocktails for fall

How to make wine cocktails for fall

Making wine cocktails for fall is a simple endeavor. Simply pick an appropriate wine and add autumn's signature flavors.

Pick the right wine

Even though you will be adding other flavors to the wine, choose a good quality wine for the base. For the fall, Pinot Noir works well as does Bordeaux, Riesling or Malbec. Essentially you can use any wine you like but choose wines appropriate for the season.

Add fall flavors

For fall cocktails, add the season's hallmark flavors, like pumpkin pie spice, all spice, cinnamon, pomegranates, cranberries, apples or other fall fruits. You can even add a complementary fruit juice to lower the alcohol content, if you choose.

Give them an extra kick

For an extra layer of flavor, add flavored vodkas, brandy or rum. To give red or white wine a sparkling essence, mix in some club soda. You can even use Champagne as your base and add flavors to the bubbly.

Wine cocktail recipes

Spiced Red Wine

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 bottle of red wine such as Cabernet or merlot
8 tablespoons brown sugar
1 orange peel
1 grapefruit peel
10 cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, plus 4 to garnish

Directions:
1. Combine wine with sugar in a large pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved.

2. Add orange and grapefruit peels, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Heat for 20 minutes, but do not let wine boil.

3. Strain wine through a fine sieve and let cool. Serve garnished with cinnamon sticks.

White Wine Apple Spritzer

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 bottle white wine such as Riesling
6 ounces apple pie liqueur or apple juice
3/4 ounces lime juice
4 ounces club soda

Directions:
1. Combine white wine with apple pie liqueur and lime juice.

2. When ready to serve, pour wine mixture into glasses and top with a splash of club soda.

Sparkling Pom Cocktail

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
8 ounces pomegranate liqueur
6 ounces pomegranate juice
1 bottle sparkling wine such as Cava or Asti
Pomegranate seeds for garnish

Directions:
1. Combine pomegranate liqueur and pomegranate juice. Pour into champagne glasses and top with sparkling wine.

2. Drop pomegranate seeds into champagne glasses for garnish.

More on wines and wine cocktails

• Wine and cheese pairings
• Wine trends for 2009
• Make a red wine spritzer
• Boxed wine a worthy buy?